THE POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-REGULATION IN VENEZUELA - IMPLICATIONS FOR FREE-TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Venezuela is pursuing a policy of trade liberalization and economic re structuring in response to the debt crisis precipitated by the collaps e of oil prices in the 1980s. Potential environmental stress due to in creased economic activity driven by this process and a possible free t rade agreement with the United States may surpass the capability of th e government to implement effective protection of natural resources. I mpediments to achieve environmental protection include the predominanc e of political parties in the decision making process, contradictory l anguage in existing legislation, the dilemma of utilizing natural reso urces for the purposes of economic development, and political instabil ity. Opportunities for enhancing environmental protection in Venezuela are dependent upon renewed political stability and on the emergence o f social forces sufficiently strong to pressure the government and the reby strengthen its will to improve environmental protection.